The New England Patriots managed to steer themselves away from securing the No. 1 draft pick, thanks to a formidable performance by quarterback Joe Milton III in Week 18 against the Buffalo Bills. Milton, who started the game with impressive skill, led the Patriots to a 23-16 victory. His notable contributions included scoring two early touchdowns—one off a 1-yard scramble and a brilliant 48-yard pass to Kayshon Boutte.
While this win may have cost the Patriots the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they have a solid future at quarterback with Drake Maye on their roster. This alleviates some pressure, as the loss of a premium draft position might be seen as less detrimental than it is for other struggling teams.
As the season concluded with the Patriots ending at 4-13, it became apparent that the draft order was being closely contested among several teams, including the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and New York Giants. The Titans ultimately secured the first overall pick, leaving the Patriots to draft based on the outcomes of other four-win teams.
The situation highlights an intriguing dynamic in professional sports: while fans may advocate for “tanking” to secure better draft positions, players and coaches often have different priorities driven by job security and performance reputations. This win by the Patriots, despite the implications for their draft pick, demonstrates the competitive spirit of the game.
This turn of events offers a glimmer of hope for Patriots fans, as the team may have avoided a season defined purely by losses and instead showcased a potential building block for the future in Milton. As they head into the offseason, there’s a chance for renewal and growth as they refine their roster and strategize for the next season.